Abstract: Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. The cephalad prostheses are adapted and configured to be attached to a lamina portion of a vertebra without blocking a pedicle portion of the cephalad vertebra. In some embodiments, the prosthesis is attached with a non-invasive support member, such as a clamp. In other embodiments, a translaminar screw may be used for additional fixation.

Abstract: Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. The cephalad prostheses are adapted and configured to be attached to a lamina portion of a vertebra without blocking a pedicle portion of the cephalad vertebra.

Abstract: Tools for installing artificial cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses are provided. Specifically, an installation fixture for aligning and installing caudal, cephalad, or caudal and cephalad facet joint prostheses is provided. Also provided is a guide tool for use with the installation fixture for guiding the affixation of a prosthesis to a vertebra.

Abstract: A real-time picture communications system (15) including a picture communications network subsystem (26) provides real-time picture communication services between users (21), devices (22), and/or groups of users, devices, and other groups. Examples of devices include cameras, viewers, keypads, writing tablets, microphones, telephones, and combinations thereof. One or more protocol communications nodes (27) are connected to one or more networks to provide communication between the network and the picture communications network subsystem. A registry database (28) includes user information (86), device information (87) and group information (88). A control subsystem (29) processes requests and executes instructions, such as an attach instruction and instructions that establish real-time communication services responsive to an authenticated request by a user or a device to the extent allowed by the various access rights of any users, devices and groups.

Abstract: A switch for selectively directing fluid to either one of two catheters and for inflating a "manually" inflatable balloon of one of the catheters when fluid is directed to that catheter. The switch includes a valve mechanism that is operatively linked with a balloon inflation mechanism such that the balloon is inflated when fluid is directed to that catheter, and the balloon is deflated when fluid is directed to the other catheter. The switch is particularly adapted for use in administering cardioplegia solution to a patient's heart alternatively via an antegrade cardioplegia catheter and a retrograde cardioplegia catheter. A method of use of the switch is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for continuously fabricating a high pressure hose, or the like, which includes axially advancing interconnected hollow mandrels through a plurality of winding stations wherein all of the hose building components are helically wound upon the advancing mandrels. A heat shrinkable webbing may also be wound upon the advancing mandrels so as to cover the hose components. The mandrels are then separated, and steam is introduced into the interior of the mandrels to effect curing of the hose components, with the shrinkable webbing acting to radially compact the components to remove air pockets and smoothly conform the innermost component against the mandrel. A method and apparatus is also provided for unwinding the shrinkable webbing from the hose after curing, and which includes a drive control system which advances the hose through an unwinding deck while insuring that the webbing being withdrawn from the hose is aligned with its take-up spool.